The study by Spence et al. examines the relationship between direct flooding experience and perceptions of climate change, as well as the willingness to reduce energy use to mitigate climate change. Using data from a national survey of 1,822 individuals in the UK, the researchers found that those who reported experiencing flooding expressed more concern about climate change, saw it as less uncertain, and felt more confident that their actions could make a difference. These perceptual differences translated into a greater willingness to save energy. The study highlights that linking local weather events to climate change can be an effective strategy to increase concern and action. The findings suggest that personal experience is a key driver of risk perceptions and that setting concrete goals can enhance the likelihood of taking action. The research also notes that while flooding experiences were linked with lower uncertainty about climate change, this did not translate into increased behavioral intentions, indicating that other factors, such as concern and perceived instrumentality, may be more influential. The study concludes that severe, locally salient environmental events like flooding present significant opportunities to engage people with climate change and encourage action.The study by Spence et al. examines the relationship between direct flooding experience and perceptions of climate change, as well as the willingness to reduce energy use to mitigate climate change. Using data from a national survey of 1,822 individuals in the UK, the researchers found that those who reported experiencing flooding expressed more concern about climate change, saw it as less uncertain, and felt more confident that their actions could make a difference. These perceptual differences translated into a greater willingness to save energy. The study highlights that linking local weather events to climate change can be an effective strategy to increase concern and action. The findings suggest that personal experience is a key driver of risk perceptions and that setting concrete goals can enhance the likelihood of taking action. The research also notes that while flooding experiences were linked with lower uncertainty about climate change, this did not translate into increased behavioral intentions, indicating that other factors, such as concern and perceived instrumentality, may be more influential. The study concludes that severe, locally salient environmental events like flooding present significant opportunities to engage people with climate change and encourage action.